Bar le Perchoir

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

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Users say
(3)

4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

This enormously popular bar in Menilmontant has a huge rooftop with a 360 degree view of the capital. Despite ‘speakeasy’ pretentions (the street entrance is unmarked), the place is becoming a victim of its own success, with queues out of the front door to be endured before you take the lift to the 7th floor. But once you do make it up there, you’ll find a vast space surrounding a handsome bar, comfortable sofas strewn with cushions, colourful plants and scented herbs planted in pots around the seats or hung from railings. Watching the sun set over the Sacré-Coeur, glass in hand, under garlands of coloured lights, really is something special.

On the menu, you could try the cocktail of the day (€12), a slightly pricy draught beer (€5 a half) or an imported bottled beer from places as far flung as Mexico and the Czech Republic. For wine, it’s cheaper to share a bottle – careful, the bill adds up quickly. Tapas is also on offer. For your best chance of getting a seat, come very early (5.30pm) or quite late (10pm) – or to be certain of that view, reserve a table in the restaurant, on the penultimate floor of the building.

The original (and in my opinion the best) Perchoir bar of Paris! With amazing views overlooking Sacré-Coeur I will happily pay for an expensive glass of wine or cocktail. I only ever stay for a drink or two, due to the prices and the slightly posh crowd, but it is enough to enjoy the rooftop experience. Make sure you arrive before 7pm, otherwise you will be stuck lining up at ground level with all the other trendy Parisians.

Just like its younger sister, Le Perchoir Marais, this rooftop bar offers spectacular views of Paris, alongside delicious cocktails. There's always a long queue down the street - but a little tip: you'll get in ever so slightly quicker if you volunteer to walk up the seven flights of stairs to the top, rather than taking the lift..! It's perfectly positioned to see Sacre-Coeur.